SACPC Weekly Updates for Aug. 26-Sept. 2, 2025

Sunday, August 31, 2025

12th Sunday after Pentecost

This Sunday

"Disruptions"

Rev. Steve Hein
Steve leads us in worship with scripture coming from Isaiah 40:27-31 and Romans 8:31-39. Disruptions happen all the time like renovations in the sanctuary and worshipping in Brown Hall; but there are far more disruptions, like diagnosis from your doctor, your child that makes terrible choices, a spouse who leaves, etc. Where do we turn? Turn to the God who will never disappoint you.

Previous Contemporary Worship

Previous Traditional Worship

Announcements

Church Office Closures THIS Weekend

by Katie Harrington
The church office will be closed this Friday (8/29) to the public. Staff will be available via phone and email. The church office will also be closed on Monday (9/1) in observance of Labor Day.

Casserole Preparation for DVSS Clients

by Carol Query
With fall almost upon us, it is time for each of us to consider preparing a 13x9 casserole of comfort food to give to the clients of the Domestic Violence Shelter.  Aluminum pans and lids are available in the mailroom cabinet beside the big white freezer.  Once you take the container, you make a casserole in it, bake it, freeze it, and return it to the church freezer on a given Sunday so that it can be delivered to the Open Gate mid-week.

Each week, two casseroles are delivered to the Open Gate which in turn are delivered to the actual shelter. Here between 25 -30 predominately women and children are housed and fed to protect them from their abusers. The clients are most appreciative and often send verbal messages through the DVSS employees.

There is a calendar of available dates to deliver prepared casseroles in a notebook in the mailroom next to the small dining room. For further information, contact Carol Query by email or call 910-470-3127.

Women's Pickleball

by Donna Philips
Beginning September 8 and 9… Mondays and Tuesdays from 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm or 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm in Brown Hall. Please note, we will be limited to only one court during the renovations. All are welcome. Contact Donna Philips at 404 226-5976 to register.

Transitioning Worship to Brown Hall

by Catheryn Thomas
We would love your help with the migration from the Sanctuary to Brown Hall. Our last worship service in the Sanctuary is this coming Sunday, August 31st. When the service ends, please grab a bible, a hymnal, or a stack of pew cards and pencils, and deposit them in the bins provided in the Narthex. This will allow the staff to prepare for the pews to be removed the following week. See you in Brown Hall for worship on September 7th!

We’re Hiring!

by Catheryn Thomas
We are looking for a new Facilities Assistant who will join our building team, helping with security and set-ups and other tasks around the church campus. Please see the attached job description, and share it with anyone you think might be interested. Questions can be addressed to Tony Colmenares, Facilities Manager.

Join Scouting!

by Catheryn Thomas
SACPC has a long relationship with boy scouts and cub scouts in Wilmington, with both Troop 13 and Pack 13 meeting in our church for decades. They are always looking for new members. If you have a boy in your family interested in scouts, please contact the following scout leaders: Ken Fitzgivens, Cub Scout leader Kevin Hicks, Boy Scout leader

Citizen Science + Native Plant Identifier App

by Earth Care Team
"God dresses grass in the field so beautifully..." [Matthew 6:30]
Sometimes its hard, or overwhelming, to know which plants are truly native to our area. The Earth Care Team recommends downloading the free Pl@ntNet app to your smartphone. Pl@ntNet is a citizen science project which uses crowdsourcing and artificial intelligence (AI) databases to help identify plants based on pictures submitted from all over the world. Per the app's website "[I]t is one of the world’s largest biodiversity observatories, with several million contributors in over 200 countries."
The Earth Care Team also invites you to enjoy this year's Cape Fear Native Plant Festival:

10th Annual Cape Fear Native Plant Festival
SEP 17 - 21
Hosted by the Native Plant Alliance, Wednesday (9/17) - Friday (9/19) will feature a series of educational talks in the evening about sustainable landscaping. Saturday (9/20) is Native Plant Shopping Day, check the festival website for a list of participating vendors. Sunday (9/21) is the Native Plant Garden Tours. Tickets are required for the garden tours.

August Ramp Build

by Gary Smith
The week of August 10, Shelter Care, led by David Smith, built a ramp for an 85-year-old wheel-chair bound woman who will be living with her daughter on Park Avenue in Wilmington. Other participants in the two-day build were Bill Aman, Bill Landen, Scott Lund, Mike DeCocco, Rick Wheeler, John Bohbrink, David Massey, Jack Richardson, Jake Bron, and Gary Smith. Great job, gentlemen!

If you are interested in working with Shelter Care, contact Gary Smith at 724-992-9495.

Worship Changes Begin SEP 7

by Katie Harrington
On September 7, we will begin worshiping in Brown Hall and return to the following regular Sunday morning schedule:
9:00 am Contemporary worship
10:00 am Sunday School
11:00 am Traditional worship
The location change to Brown Hall is temporary and due to construction happening in the Sanctuary over the next 5 - 6 months. Although our worship location will change, all of the elements of a SACPC Sunday morning service will remain--faithful people, great music, preaching, prayers and sacraments. God will be present with us!

Additionally, because Brown Hall will become our temporary worship space Rally Day festivities will look different this year. Please know, our staff and ministry teams have been working hard to ensure a smooth transition and to prepare some fantastic fall programs.

Holy Happenings @ SACPC 

August Bible Study: Acts

Walking in the Word
AUG 31 | 9:00 am

Rm 236
Walking in the Word adult Sunday school class continues with its study of Acts during August, 9:00 am - 10:00 am every Sunday in Room 236. All are welcome!

Men's Football Ministry

Men's Football Ministry
SEP 4 | 5:30 pm

Brown Hall
We are excited to continue our Football Ministry, this being our 7th season in a row supporting the New Hanover High School football team. This is an impactful men's ministry allowing us the opportunity to get to know the young men that live in our neighborhood and hopefully build relationships.  We provide the "Team Meal" on Thursdays for the entire season, starting September 4th from 5:30 to 6:30 pm in Brown Hall. So, if you're looking for a ministry to get involved with, please join your fellow men. Please feel free to call me should you have any questions. Go Wildcats!

David Massey (910-617-8546)

Rally Day

Rally Day
SEP 7 | 10:00 am

Adult Sunday School
Rally Day marks the return of our Sunday School classes to their normal schedules. We offer four different Bible studies every Sunday at 10:00 am and a Monday evening women's Zoom study at 5:00 pm.

Evans Feezor (RM 215) is a men's class using The Present Word Adult Bible Lessons. Contact Steve Miller (steve.miller@smithturf.com) for more information.

Walking in the Word (Rm 236) is a co-ed class studying the Book of Acts this fall. Contact Randy Barrow (randykbarrow@gmail.com) for more information.

Living Faith (Rm 214) is a co-ed class using lectionary lessons. Contact Sue McCaffray (smccaffray@sacpc.org) for more information.

Venture (Rm 240) is a co-ed class studying Proverbs 6 about six things the Lord hates. If you are curious, please join us! We have coffee and wonderful refreshments. Contact Kathy Benson (kathybenson@juno.com) for more information.

Stillpoint via Zoom on Mondays at 5:00 pm is women's book study seeking spiritual growth through contemplative study and reflection. Contact Lynn Kozik at clmkozik@gmail.com or Shelley Hobson at shelleyhobson@me.com for more information.
Children & Youth Open House
SEP 7 | 10:00 am
Lower Level
Come on down to the Lower Level on Sunday, September 7 to see all the fabulous new changes that have been made this summer! Our youth have officially relocated from The HUB to their new home in the Lower Level and our children's ministry areas have been updated as well. Come tour the spaces, get a new backpack tag, and see where your Sunday School classes will be!

Presbyterian Women’s 2025-2026 Bible Study

Presbyterian Women Bible Study
SEP 9, 10 &11 | 10:00 am

Dining Rm
September's Presbyterian Women;s Bible study will be led by Lynn Atkinson. The theme is Mary Magdalene, the Tower. Our faith is strengthened by learning more about Mary Magdalene, a towering witness to the resurrection. We will explore scripture from John 20:11-18, John 11:17-27.

All are invited to attend. The same lesson will be given on September 9, 10, and 11 at 10:00 am in Dining Room. See Katherine Brandi for details.

M&M (Music & More)

M&M (Music & More)
SEP 10 | 4:45 PM
Children's Choir Rm
M&M is a joint ministry between Music and Christian Education. Children experience music by singing, playing pitch and rhythm games, ringing handbells, and playing Orff instruments; while also developing a strong foundation for faith formation. They support our worship services with their musical talents on a scheduled basis. Contact Cindy Litzinger for more details.

POPS Fall Kickoff

POPS Fall Kickoff
SEP 10 | 6:30 PM

Brown Hall
Join us for a fun night as we kick-off our fall POPS program with the Port City Ukuholics. This ukuele band is based in Wilmington and plays classic rock, dance, folk, pop, country and Hawaiian music. Our very own Shelley Hobson is a member of the band. This night should put a smile on your face.

POPS Meal begins at 5:30 pm in Brown Hall.

POPS Program: Let's Talk About

Social Righteousness & Justice

POPS Program: Let's Talk About Social Righteousness & Justice
SEP 17 | 6:30 PM

Kardia Rm 224
Join us for this important and timely discussion on social righteousness and justice with Rev. Jerrod Lowery and Dr. Rev. Gary Smith. Come early and enjoy a POPS Meal at 5:30 pm in Brown Hall.

POPS Program: Flood Risks & Resiliency in Wilmington

POPS Program: Flood Risks & Resiliency in Wilmington
SEP 24 | 6:30 PM

Kardia Rm 224
Localized flooding is on the rise. Join the Earth Care Team for an important conversation with our very own Tony McEwen and City of Wilmington Chief Resilience Officer, Craig Harris, about what communities can do to be more resilient and proactive to flood risks; as well as ways we can work together to help promote and support flood resilience strategies locally and at the state level.

POPS Meal at 5:30 pm in Brown Hall.

Music on Market: ASU Steely Pan Steel Band

App State Steely Pan Steel Band
SEP 28 | 3:00 pm

Brown Hall
Join us for a musical journey with the Appalachian State University Steely Pan Steel Band! This dynamic ensemble delivers an exhilarating mix of calypso, classical masterpieces, classic rock and roll and even some heartwarming Appalachian mountain music. These talented musicians will have you dancing in your seat and singing along. Don’t miss out on this unique celebration of sound!

Thursday Night Disciples Book Study

What's So Amazing About Grace?

Thursday Night Disciples
OCT 2 | 6:30 pm

Zoom
Join our spirited Zoom group of Thursday Night Disciples as we ponder Philip Yancey's classic book. We meet on Thursdays, October. 2 - Nov. 6, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm.  Each week we read a couple chapters from the participant's guide and view a video together as we discuss. Reading Yancey's original book is optional. Contact Dave Hoff to sign up and for more information. We'd love to have you!

Fall Spiritual Life Retreat

Fall Spiritual Life Retreat
OCT 25 | 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Southport Presbyterian Church
Each one of us is created in the image of God. This means that there is a divine spark of the Holy Spirit within every one of us. The purpose of this retreat is to open our hearts to that spark, letting it shine and glow. Mark your calendars for our one-day fall Spiritual Life retreat on Saturday, October 25, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm, at the beautiful Southport Presbyterian Church, led by our old friend Rev. Ann Jahnes.

Registration will be required, and details will follow shortly. Men and women of all ages welcome. See Sue McCaffray for details.

Music on Market: Gentlemen's Quartet

Gentlemen's Quartet
NOV 9 | 3:00 pm

Brown Hall
Experience an afternoon of musical brilliance with the Gentlemen’s Quartet (GQ), as they present a modern, elegant take on timeless classics and popular hits, from Beethoven to John Legend. Their unique arrangements fuse multiple genres together in a perfect symphony of sophistication, virtuosity and humor. With impressive musical credits that include Broadway, The West End, and performances with artists such as Vanessa WIlliams, Dee Snyder, Tony Bennett, The Manhattan Transfer, Audra McDonald, James Taylor, etc., these versatile musicians promise an unforgettable afternoon of entertainment. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind concert!

Music | Contact Cindy Litzinger

Adult Choir Practices Begin SEP 3

Our choir brings together individuals who love to worship through music.  We rehearse weekly and sing during the 11:00 am traditional worship service and for special worship events (i.e. Christmas Eve, Easter, etc.).  Whether you're a seasoned vocalist or a beginner, all are welcome! Come and share your voice and make a joyful noise with us. Practice begins Wednesday, September 3 in the Choir Rm. See Angela Burns for details.

Exciting News!  New Handbell Group Forming!

We are truly blessed by the wonderful interest in our handbell ministry. We've had folks express a desire to join our group and in order to make a space for all to continue to enjoy the job of making music together, we're forming a second bell choir!

Whether you're a seasoned ringer or new to handbells, we invite you to join us.  

Here are the details:
 
When: Thursdays, 10:00 am - 11:00 am beginning Sept. 18
Where: Handbell Room
Questions?  Cindy Litzinger


Thank you for your support as we continue to expand our music ministry together.

Go & Serve | Contact Gary Smith

Feed School Kids When School Starts

August Donation Drive

This month children in our county are either getting ready to return to school or, in the case of our year-round schools, are already in the classroom. For some of those children, the beginning of school means a return to regular meals, community, and much more stability than they’ve had during the summer.

Once school starts, many of these children will be provided with free breakfasts and lunches, but snacks that they can either eat during or after school are also important. Some of you may not be aware that teachers often purchase such snacks themselves. Please prayerfully consider helping fill these students' bellies this month. Donations needed:

  • granola bars 
  • fruit or applesauce cups
  • individually-packaged crackers
  • pudding cups
  • small water bottles or juice pouches

Donations may be delivered to the table in the 15th Street lobby. Thank you!

September Donation Drive

Good Shepherd Center, Salvation Army, & the Rescue Mission

During September, Go & Serve will be collecting non-perishable foods for our neighbors who struggle to feed themselves. Everything will be distributed among Good Shepherd, Salvation Army, and the Rescue Mission, all of which work to help those in need. Suggested food items include those listed below.

  • Cereal, both hot and cold
  • Canned fruits and vegetables
  • Instant rice and potatoes
  • Canned soup
  • Canned chicken and tuna
  • Packaged snacks
  • Pasta and pasta sauce
  • Sugar or flour
  • #10 cans of fruits, vegetables, or beans

Please bring your donations to the table in the Gathering Area where we will be collecting while we worship in Brown Hall. Thank you for loving our neighbors this way.

Bible Presentation Sunday

Bible Presentation Sunday
SEP 14 | 9:00 am

Brown Hall
All 3rd & 4th graders are invited to join us at the 9:00 am worship service to receive The Adventure Bible which is designed for new readers aged 8-12 to help them navigate the powerful stories of the Bible!

The Bible presentation will be followed up with a six week interactive Sunday School class called Dive Deep designed to help children discover what an amazing gift the Word of God can be in their lives!

Grades K - 2 | Wonders of Worship

Wonders of Worship
SEP - 14 - OCT 26 | 10:00 am

Lower Level Rm 25
This is a 6-week interactive class designed to explore the Who, What, Where, When's and How's of worship! Beginning September 14, Children in Grades K - 2 will be involved in a special study called WONDERS OF WORSHIP where we will explore what worship is all about and why it is central to our lives as Christians. This class is designed to prepare children to understand why we worship and what it all means as an important Spiritual Rite of Passage.

Grades 3 - 5 | Dive Deep into God's Word!

Dive Deep into God's Word
SEP - 14 - OCT 26 | 10:00 am

Lower Level Rm 26
This is a 6-week interactive class designed to help new readers discover what an amazing gift the Word of God can be in their lives! This class guides 3rd - 5th grade students on how to use The Adventure Bible each child will receive during the 9:00 am worship service on Sunday, September 14.

Reach out to Lynn Warner if you have a child interested in receiving a new Bible and participating in this fun and formative study.

Children's Events

DGroups Start SEP 10

D-Groups
SEP 10 - NOV 19 | 6:30 pm
Lower Level

Middle and high school students gather for fellowship, Bible study and our small group ministry every other Wednesday night. **Note our new location back in the church beginning this fall.**

Programming begins at 7:00 pm. See Jen Phelps for more details.

Youth $5 Putt Putt

Middle and high school students are invited for a night out at the new Surf's Up Mini Golf in Carolina Beach. Friends are welcome, but advance registration is required - and let us know if you want to ride with us to and from the church or meet us there.

Youth Events

GIVING | Contact Susan Dykes

July Financial Highlight

Thank you for contributing to the work and love of Jesus through St. Andrews-Covenant Presbyterian Church. Your gifts enable us to stay Faithfully Present in Our Community by providing beneficial programs and spiritual events that lift up, motivate, and provide joy!
Financial updates will be provided each month.  If you have any questions, please contact Susan Dykes, Financial Administrator, 910-762-9693x207, sdykes@sacpc.org; or our Church Treasurer, Ed Hobson, treasurer@sacpc.org.

CareLine Updates as of August 26, 2025

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again:  Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Philippians 4:4-6

We Grieve For:

Peggy Hayes' family, as her sister, Eileen Stanverwick, died peacefully on August 16th.

Gayle Bell’s family, as her sister, Patsy, died suddenly from a heart attack August 25th.

We Pray For:

Teachers and students who return to school this week.

Hank Montgomery as he recovers from a severe leg injury.  

Rev. Parker Lucas as he recovers at home from an emergency surgical procedure. He is doing well and welcomes cards, but asks for no calls, texts or visits right now.

Lil Conley who is hospitalized at Duke.  Please use this link to her CaringBridge site.

Service Personnel:

Billy Purdom (USS Stout DDG ), Smith Beacham (Poland/Germany), Jack Looney (USS Carl Vinson, San Diego, CA) , Samuel Makepeace (Fort Moore, Georgia), Brennan Litzinger (Fort Bliss, Texas), Mikayla Reifert (Tinker AForce base in Oklahoma), Bradley Garrett (Coast Guard, Elizabeth City)

Prayer requests: Click here to tell us about your need.

Hospitalizations: Please click 
here to email Katie Harrington or call the church office at 910.762.9693 to leave a message.

Birthday Celebrations |  Aug. 26 - Sept. 2, 2025

August 26: Joe Brisindi, Erin Hester, Eddie Stuart, Olivia Tincher, Lynn Warner
August 27: Lynn Kozik
August 28: Jim Benson, Bill Best, Paul Charlton
August 29: Beth Cherry, Bob Gray, Todd Harrington
August 30: L.C. Dechent, Amy Stuart
August 31: Sue Ellen, Holleman, John Thompson
September 1: Finley Harrison
September 2: Mary Ellen Black, Austin Durst, Jack Richardson
View our most recent Session Reports.
SACPC Contacts
Office Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm

For pastoral concerns:
Katie Harrington kharrington@sacpc.org
910-762-9693 x203

Parker Lucas plucas@sacpc.org
910-762-9693 x202

For financial questions:
Susan Dykes sdykes@sacpc.org; x207

For newsletter, website, social media, and other communication questions:
Emily Donovan (edonovan@sacpc.org)

For the front desk:
call 910-762-9693 x201

For facility use reservations, Memorial Garden & The Block information:
Catheryn Thomas cthomas@sacpc.org; x229

Session Contacts: If you have questions, concerns or recommendations feel free to contact any session member individually or email the session at session@sacpc.org.

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